1. CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN MINISTRY
By Samuel o. adeleye

2. CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN MINISTRY
A PAPER PRESENTED AT THE 4TH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF GRACEWAY CHAPEL INTERNATIONAL FOR MINISTERS OF GOD HOLDING AT THE CHURCH AUDITORIUM NO 8 OWOYENI STREET OBADORE, AKESAN, LAGOS ON FRIDAY, 24 FEBRUARY, 2017

3. INTRODUCTION
Ministry challenges are real and ubiquitous in the sense that it is everywhere at the same time with varied degree.
Of a truth, every form of Christian ministry is challenging and those who are not ready to face challenges should not venture into engaging in any Christian or bible oriented ministry.

4. INTRODUCTION (cont’d)
The reality, inevitability, or unavoidability of ministry challenges can be found in the charge given to the twelve disciples when Jesus Christ was commissioning them to go and preach the gospel.
He said “ Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” Matthew 10;16a; He equally said in John 16:33 “ I have told you these things, so that in me you will have peace, in this world you will have trouble…”(NIV).
However, as you face the challenges in Christ’s ministry, His presence with you makes the difference, because He said “and surely I am with you always to the very end of age” (Matthew 28:20b).

5. Understanding the word “Ministry”
The word ministry has come from the greek word “diakoneo” meaning “to serve as a slave”.
In the New Testament, ministry is seen as service to God and to other people in Christ’s name.
Jesus Christ has provided the pattern for Christian ministry in Mark 10:45 “For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many”.

6. FEW CONTEMPORARY CHALLENGES IN MINISTRY
Distractions (2 Kings 2:3,5,7)
Shepherding God’s flock at the expense of one’s family (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 1 Samuel 8:1-3)
Managing a person of the opposite sex who has interest in you (1 Samuel 16)
Economic challenges or Financial problems (1 Timothy 6:9-10)
Criticism and Conflict
Stress / Burn out/ Depression
Satanic attacks and opposition. (Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Corinthians 16:9, Psalm 3:1)

7. STEPS TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES IN MINISTRY
Live a Godly and Holy life in private and public. (1 Peter 1:15-16)
Let Jesus Christ be your standard in everything. (Luke 9:23)
Admit that you have a challenge and define it. (John 16:33)
Turn to God for Help (Isaiah 41:10)
Turn to experienced and trusted pastors. A pastor needs a pastor. Who is your mentor? (2Kings 2:1-2)
Keep negative emotion in check. (Genesis 39:9)
Live for Christ daily. (2 Corinthians 5:15)

8. Conclusion
Challenges in ministry are unavoidable and it is a continuous process but the owner of the ministry has assured as many pastors or ministers that have had personal relationship or encounter with Him of victory over all the challenges.
Therefore, be of good cheer for you have overcome already.
However, watch and pray lest you fall into temptation.

9. Thank you